Communications in Humanities Research ISSN: 2753-7072
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Research Article

A Systematic Literature Review of Regional Inequality on Students’ Pressure in the Chinese Gaokao System

Yu Tsai ChanShanghai American School Lianger GuoThe High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China* Aimeng LuChangwai Bilingual School Xiaowei ZhangGuangdong Experimental High school

* Corresponding author: [email protected]

Abstract

This systematic review evaluates the research on regional inequality relating to the Chinese Gaokao educational system and how this relates to the pressure felt by high school-aged students. Our essay is based on the situation that many students feel stressful no only because the academic pressure is huge, but also the regional inequalities make them feel nervous. So, we made this essay to discuss this problem. The entrance/selective exam serves as a crucial and critical point in the Chinese educational system for students hoping to enter university. Our study synthesizes findings from 29 studies, evaluating them through an ecological lens to understand trends and patterns. We find that a significant amount of research is related to the academic pressure on students, and we have also found an abundance of information about regional imbalance. We believe that regional inequality is a potential and crucial factor in students' pressure and has high research value.

Keywords: Gaokao; Systematic Literature Review; Mental Health; Ecological System theory; Academic Pressure
Published: June 6, 2025
DOI: 10.54254/2753-7064/2024.23643
Volume: CHR Vol.68
pp. 163-168
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